Ornament Review: In the Spirit - 2012 Hallmark Peanuts Ornament

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Well balanced, colorful ornaments that Peanuts fans will love

Cons: None

The Bottom Line: 

Snoopy and Woodstock

In the Christmas spirit will

Put you there as well

Woodstock is Helping Snoopy Get In the Spirit

Because I've been collecting the Spotlight on Snoopy ornament series for years, I really don't need any more ornaments that focus on Snoopy and Woodstock.  But when I saw In the Spirit from Hallmark's 2012 ornament line, I just couldn't resist.

The ornament features Snoopy andWoodstockgetting ready for Christmas.  But instead of decorating something, they are getting Snoopy decked out.  He is sitting on the ground holding a cup of egg nog.  On his head is a pair of antlers. Woodstock, who is wearing a red Santa hat, is just finishing wrapping a set of Christmas lights around them.  And there's even one ball ornament hanging from the antlers on Snoopy's left.

Now, despite the fact that there are lights involved, this isn't one of Hallmark's magic ornaments, which means that it doesn't light up.  Yes, that would be very, very cool, but it's not necessary.  The ornament is cute and charming as it is.  It's just one of those things you can't help but smile at when you see it.

On the other hand, the ball ornament is not glued on to the rest of the piece.  It's looped over one of the antlers.  The hook from which is hangs is so small that you couldn't get it off the antlers, plus it sits under the string of lights.  While that hook moves around a little (which I love), it's not going anywhere but is definitely a part of the ornament.

The overall effect is very colorful.  Snoopy himself is very white, like he should be.  But your eyes are drawn to the antlers and the green wire and the colors on the bulbs.  It's a wonderful piece.

Since Snoopy is sitting, the ornament has a nice solid base that you can use if you want to set the ornament out to enjoy year round.

The hook for hanging the ornament is located in the middle of the antlers.  I've got to admit, I thought it would tip a little as a result, but it is actually pretty nicely balanced, which means that Snoopy is hanging straight and level.

There are several Snoopy ornaments this year, but In the Spirit might just be my favorite.  It's such a fun take on getting ready for Christmas and just something I can picture Snoopy doing.  Any Peanuts fan will be happy to have this one in their collection.

Original Price: $14.95